Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): dribbling

Screen 1

Organisation

A square measuring 20x20 yards will be set up before the players arrive, eight cones in two sets of 4 will be placed horizontally. There will be a drinks/sanitisation station for players to use away from the pitch and each player will receive a ball on arrival.

Technical Practice

We are using eight players here split into two groups of 4. Players will run around each of the cones and on the final cone they will run with the ball at speed and once passed the line the next player will go and complete the sequence.

Progressions/Regressions/Challenges

To progress the practice, I would increase the length of the pitch by 10 yards and space the cones out further, giving the players a chance to work on their dribbling, close contact with the ball and at the last cone the chance to run with the ball for a longer length.

To challenge the players I would have them compete in a relay race, whichever team that has completed the whole sequence with all players wins. I would also challenge the players to complete the sequence by a certain time limit.

The Mechanics

Dribbling

• Keep ball close
• Vary surfaces of the foot
• Head up
• Change of pace
• Change of direction

• Get ball out of feet
  
• Make contact with laces
• Head up
• Get into running stride
• Move quickly





Screen 3

Organisation

The pitch is now 40x40 and is split in two. There are goals at either end of the pitch with a goalkeeper in each. Two teams of 4 plus goalkeepers will be placed in each half. 

Skills Practice

Using the techniques and skills practiced earlier, the team in possession will attempt to run into the oppositions area or pass and play a pass into a player in the opposition area who will dribble/run and shoot.

To begin, play will start with the goalkeeper who passes out, once the goalkeeper has passed the opposition team are allowed two players into the area and challenge and attempt to win the ball, the team in possession are allowed one player in the oppositions area to receive a pass from his teammates in which he will attempt to dribble past players and shoot on goal or one teammate can join him in the opposition area and support the player. Players can attempt to dribble/run with the ball into the area but only they will be allowed into the oppositions area and attempt to score a goal, if unsuccessful a teammate can enter the area to attempt to win the ball back.

Conditions will be placed on the player in possession to attempt to dribble for 5 seconds before being allowed to pass or shoot in the oppositions box. The team in possession will have to make a pass into the oppositions area to free a player to run into the box and pick up the ball and attempt a shot on goal.

There will be no corners/throw ins, whatever side of the pitch the ball goes out, the play resets from the goalkeeper on that side of the pitch who will pass out to a teammate.